Radiation Therapist Level 1 - Per Diem

Hackensack Meridian Health•Neptune City, NJ

5d•$44

About The Position

The Radiation Therapist delivers ionizing radiation to treat patients according to the Radiation Oncologist’s prescription and simulation instructions. The role is responsible for safely and effectively executing prescribed radiation therapy, assessing images, and performing diagnostic and interventional procedures. The therapist uses ARIA and Epic to manage patient information, treatment documentation, scheduling, and patient status, and helps ensure treatment plans and chart information are accurate and approved before delivery. The position also simulates treatment portals using a CT simulator, prepares and constructs immobilization devices and other treatment accessories, documents setup instructions, and performs quality assurance and warm-up procedures on treatment machines, CT simulators, CBCT, and accessories. The therapist supports patient education and care, maintains clean and functional treatment areas, follows infection-control and time-out procedures, monitors equipment, and coordinates care with the clinical team. The role may include student instruction, onboarding and mentoring, on-call participation as needed, and cross-coverage among specified campuses.

Requirements

High school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
Graduate of an approved Radiation Therapy Program.
Radiation Therapy License.
American Registry of Radiologic Technologists Certification (ARRT (T)).

Nice To Haves

At least one year of experience with Varian equipment, TrueBeam, or ARIA.
Knowledge of TrueBeam and CT anatomy.

Responsibilities

Safely and effectively deliver prescribed radiation therapy and assess treatment images and related procedures.
Use ARIA and Epic for patient records, treatment documentation, scheduling, encounters, and tracking patient status.
Verify informed consent, prepare and position patients, obtain and evaluate images, make corrective adjustments, and deliver treatment as prescribed.
Complete and maintain accurate treatment and simulation documentation, perform chart checks, co-sign electronic charts, and document treatment changes.
Prepare treatment rooms and equipment, instruct patients about procedures and care, and keep work areas clean, stocked, organized, and functional.
Perform required quality assurance, warm-ups, imaging checks, output recordings, and other checks for treatment machines, CT simulators, CBCT, and treatment accessories.
Simulate treatment portals using the CT simulator; assess diagnostic studies, construct immobilization devices and treatment accessories, document setup instructions, and place marks, tattoos, and landmarks.
Construct and mount shielding blocks and electron cutouts, and follow instructions for custom bolus and other treatment accessories.
Assist with care-management activities in compliance with applicable accreditation and regulatory requirements.
Maintain the daily treatment schedule in coordination with patient transportation and care floors, and alert leadership to delays affecting patient care or throughput.
Review treatment plans and ensure dosimetry and physics notes, required approvals, and treatment parameters are present and accurate before treatment; perform two-therapist checks and verify the plan sent to the treatment machine matches the chart.
Follow HRO standards, cleaning and hand-hygiene practices, and required time-out procedures for patient encounters.
Observe equipment operation, report malfunctions, and shut down treatment machines according to department procedures.
Teach radiation therapy students during clinical rotations and assist with onboarding and mentoring new and per-diem RTT team members.
Adapt care and communication to patients’ individual needs; answer questions within professional scope, provide educational materials, assess patient well-being, and refer concerns to appropriate clinicians or support staff.
Educate and reinforce patient and family guidance about skin care, diet, and care before, during, and after radiation treatment; observe and report physical or psychological reactions.
Communicate appointment and treatment information clearly to patients and families, and provide printed appointments.
Follow daily billing and CPT-code guidelines and consult billing templates or leadership about questionable billing issues.
Follow departmental and hospital policies, report process variations, and take appropriate action.
Participate in the on-call schedule as required by department leadership and cross-cover designated campuses as needed.
Perform other duties or projects as assigned and adhere to organizational competencies and standards of behavior.